Burma's Suu Kyi celebrates birthday in detention

Updated June 19, 2008 20:19:51

Aung San Suu Kyi is celebrating her 63rd birthday under house arrest. [AFP]

Supporters of Burma's detained democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi have marked her 63rd birthday with solemn offerings to Buddhist monks.

Dozens of people gathered outside the Rangoon headquarters of her National League for Democracy party, giving food to monks who were making their daily rounds to collect alms.

The United States has marked the June 19 birthday, saying her continued imprisonment is a "deplorable situation" that must end.

In a statement, the US secretary of state, Condoleezza Rice, says the 63-year-old will "spend yet another birthday in custody, denied her liberty and fundamental political and civil rights by Burma's military rulers."

Dr Rice says the Burmese military leaders have backtracked on even the modest steps it has taken to negotiate with the opposition leader.

The regime named a liaison to meet regularly with her and allowed her to meet with National League for Democracy colleagues.

However, there have been no meetings since January.

Dr Rice also says Aung San Suu Kyi has been denied regular access to medical care and legal counsel.

The ruling Burmese military extended Aung San Suu Kyi's house arrest by one year on May 27.

The Nobel peace prize winner's US lawyer, Jared Genser, filed a petition Wednesday with the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, saying the junta's extension of her detention was illegal under their own law.

Under Burma's State Protection Law, a person can be held without charge or trial for only up to five years, renewable for up to one year at a time.

Aung San Suu Kyi was detained initially in May 2003.

"It is deeply unfortunate that the Burmese junta continues to flagrantly violate their own and international law," Mr Genser said.